The proposed Yarrawonga Adventure Playground is one step closer to reality with Goulburn Murray Water (GMW), which manages Lake Mulwala, giving its blessing to the project being situated along the foreshore.

Kaitlyn Cummins from the Adventure Playground committee told the Yarrawonga Chronicle the committee had received written confirmation from GMW’s Recreation and Land Management Officer Jay Whittaker on July 14.

“The response from GMW was so exciting for the committee as obviously they own the land of the proposed site, so their support is vital if the project is going to go ahead at that location,” Kaitlyn said.

In the letter to the committee Mr Whittaker wrote “I would like to formally support the project on behalf of Goulburn Murray Water”.

“GMW manages Lake Mulwala on behalf of the Murray Darling Basin Authority (MDBA),” Mr Whittaker said in the letter.

“A key strategic document used in the management of Lake Mulwala is the Lake Mulwala Land and On-Water Management Plan (The Plan).

“The vision of The Plan is to be ‘part of a healthy working River Murray system, managed for water supply, environmental, recreational and tourism needs’.

“The Plan has specific actions to enhance usability of the lake and surrounding environments, improving facilities around the lake and generate community awareness on water quality and healthy ecosystems.

“There is also a strong link within The Plan to the Yarrawonga Bundalong Foreshore Master Plan specifically concepts such as enhancing community access and experiences along the foreshore and implementing future initiatives that ensure Lake Mulwala and the foreshore will continue to remain a significant asset to the area.

“Of particular note is the general theme of the park to focus on ‘Water, River and Nature’.

“GMW, with the support of the MDBA, recognize the importance of this theme and may be able to assist with interpretive material if required.”

Kaitlyn said having GMW come on board was the first significant step forward the project has had since the committee attended the February Moira Shire Council.

“At that meeting council voted to support the development of a universal all abilities playground in Yarrawonga,” she said.

Cr Wendy Buck moved the initial recommendation, which contained six separate clauses, for council to support the development of the playground and said at the February meeting the all-abilities playground would not only significantly benefit local children and families but it will also attract tourists to Yarrawonga.

Kaitlyn confirmed the committee would be meeting with Moira Shire Council regarding planning applications this week and were continuing to meet with major community groups and state and federal government bodies to investigate funded opportunities.

“The committee is also busy at work sourcing in-kind support and pledges from local business and families,” she said.

Kaitlyn said she saw first hand the popularity of an all abilities playground during a recent holiday.

“I just returned from a trip to Queensland where I visited a little coastal town about the size of Yarrawonga.

“I was walking along their beautiful foreshore with lots of green grass, and walking paths not dissimilar to ours.

“It was school holidays and I couldn’t help but notice how quiet the foreshore was, it was a nice day but there was no one on the beach and no one around, until I got to the playground.

“The playground was relatively small but modern with spinning equipment, a zipline and climbing frame and there were more than 100 people there having picnics and birthday parties and mothers groups; it was really amazing and just highlighted the need for this in our town.”

Kaitlyn said the group had $255,000 in pledges “which is amazing”.

“We are still actively seeking pledges from the community and sponsorship packs are available on our website or from the Community Health Centre,” she said.

For a full list of play equipment and other items needed please contact Kaitlyn Cummins on 0439485500 or kait.bourke@bigpond.com; there is also a list on the Yarrawonga Adventure Park Facebook page.

Donations can be made through the Yarrawonga/Mulwala Development Trust at the Westpac bank.